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Jill Krowinski Elected Speaker of Vermont House
Summary
On the first day of the 78th biennium, Representative Jill Krowinski of Burlington won the secret-ballot election for Speaker of the Vermont House, receiving 111 of 147 votes cast. The contest followed nominations and floor debate focused on collaboration and restoring public trust.
Representative Jill Krowinski of Burlington was elected Speaker of the Vermont House on the first day of the 78th biennium after a secret-ballot election in which 147 votes were cast and 74 votes were required for election. Krowinski received 111 votes; Representative Laura Sebelia of Dover received 35.
The vote concluded a lengthy nominations and debate period in which members from both parties argued for leadership they said would restore trust, encourage bipartisan negotiation and deliver results on housing, education and healthcare. Representative Teresa Wood (Waterbury), who nominated Krowinski, said the chamber needed “experience, the knowledge, the drive, and the empathy” to lead the House this biennium.
The nut graf: the election sets leadership for a session members described as likely to require cross-party negotiation on major issues. Supporters of Krowinski emphasized her record as a consensus-builder and her stewardship during the last biennium; supporters of Sebelia argued the chamber needed more transparent, inclusive processes.
In floor debate, advocates for Krowinski cited recent actions taken under her leadership, including work on reproductive-rights protections and pension fixes. Representative Martin Malone (South Burlington) praised her “calm and composed” leadership during “stressful and chaotic situations.” Opponents and some members urging change spoke instead for Representative Laura Sebelia, describing her as a leader who would expand transparency and amplify underrepresented voices.
The rules of the House require members to be present to receive a ballot and ballots were administered by an appointed team of tellers before being collected and counted. The tellers reported the tally: 147 votes cast; majority needed 74; Krowinski 111; Sebelia 35. The chair declared Krowinski elected and a committee escorted her to the bar of the House to receive the oath of office.
After taking the oath, Speaker Jill Krowinski said the role is “a tremendous honor and privilege” and pledged to approach the work with “renewed dedication” and a focus on collaboration across the chamber, the Senate and the governor’s office. She urged members to prioritize solutions for public education funding, housing affordability and climate resilience.
The election of Krowinski concludes the House’s organizational phase and places her in the role of presiding officer for the coming biennium. Committees and the Speaker’s office will now begin arranging committee rosters and procedural details for floor and committee business.
